[Front Cover – Photo of the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum entrance, superimposed items: Titusville Talking Points – July 2019 with City Seal; Heroes Remembered — National museum strives to honor fallen officers, support their families, and teach the public, page 9; Veteran’s Cemetery is Complete! Volunteers’ dedication to refurbish memorial a testament to love and patriotism, page 5; Aerial photo of a mall — Titusville Mall is making a comeback! Planet Fitness, Rebounderz Trampoline Arena make plans to fill former Sears store, page 7.]

CONTENTS:

[Aerial photo of the old A. Max Brewer causeway bridge and downtown Titusville.] Caption: Aerial view of Titusville, as seen from the east side of the A. Max Brewer Bridge.

What’s Happening in Titusville

Here are the Newest Updates for What’s Going On in Town

Summer is in full swing and the heat is beating down on our town, but that’s not stopping the myriad construction projects and developments currently in progress throughout Titusville.   From new home construction and historic building renovation, to new businesses opening up shop, there is a lot going on and plenty to be excited about.

In this issue, you will find updates on apartment complex construction on DeLeon Avenue, new housing developments on the south and west-ends of town, and the next phases of road paving and resurfacing which will be occurring over the next few months. You will get a peek inside the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, a national museum located right here in Titusville; and you’ll get a glimpse at the exciting things happening at Titusville Mall.

Also inside you will get information from Titusville Police Department on the new texting while driving law, in effect now; and new life-saving equipment recently received by Titusville Fire Department.

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s happening in Titusville.

NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS — page 1

FEATURE STORIES — page 5

COVER STORY — page 9

CITY GOV NEWS — page 14

COMPLETED & OPEN — page 19

Talking Points Staff: Jim Thomas – Managing Editor; Kurtis Korwan, Shane Daily — Layout/Design/Photojournalism; Hattie Balam, Adrian Montgomery, Caleb Phillips — Student Interns.

City of Titusville Social Media

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NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS

Courtyard by Marriott

[Photo of people shoveling dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony.]

Site permits have been issued for a 152-room, five story hotel with an open deck on the roof located at 6225 Riverfront Center Boulevard.

Beachwave

[Aerial photo of a corner lot.]

Site plans are under review for a 16,800-square-foot commercial plaza located at the southwest corner of Garden Street and Indian River Avenue. The project includes a retail store, restaurant and second floor open air tiki bar and observation deck.

Life Storage Expansion

[Photo of a small office building.]

Site plans are under review for an expansion of the existing storage business located at 1903 Garden Street. The scope of work includes the demolition of two existing 1-story buildings and construction of one 3-story building consisting of indoor storage units.

Titusville Storage

[Photo of an old Kmart store being renovated.]

Site construction is underway to redevelop the former Kmart building into indoor, climate-controlled storage located at 810 Cheney Highway.

Aero Electronics

[Photo of the exterior of a metal building.]

Site construction is underway for a 10,000-square-foot addition to the existing building located at 411 S. Park Avenue.

Beat the Clock Escape Rooms

[Photo inside a mall of a storefront with signage reading “Beat the Clock.”]

Construction is nearly complete on a new Escape Room business located at Titusville Mall, inside the former Hallmark store. Slated to open at the end of July, businesses and schools are already inquiring about field trips and team-building sessions they would like to plan at the attraction.

NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS

Extended Stay Hotel

[Aerial photo of a hotel under construction.]

Construction continues on a 124-unit 4-story hotel located at the southern terminus of Helen Hauser Boulevard adjacent to the new Durango’s restaurant.

Luna Trails

[Photo showing a three-story apartment complex under construction.]

Site and building construction continues on an 84-unit, 3-story apartment complex located at the southeast corner of Sycamore Street and Deleon Avenue.

Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant

[Photo of a new restaurant’s exterior.]

Interior buildout continues for a new restaurant at Titus Landing.

Blue Origin

[Photo of a large blue and white industrial building with signage reading “Blue Origin.”]

Building permits have been reviewed and issued for two new buildings on the Blue Origin campus. Steel-frame construction is underway on the 26,313-square-foot TCAT (Testing and Clearing Tanks associated with manufacturing rockets) building. The foundation is complete for a 71,710 -square-foot SCF (Surface Coating Facility) building.

DREAM Space Coast

[Photo of an apartment living room.]

Construction and renovation continues on the DREAM Space Coast luxury apartment building on South Washington Avenue. Units are officially being leased at this time.

Building Demolition

[Photo of an excavator demolishing an old building.]

The old building at 313 Julia Street was recently purchased by Titusville Playhouse Inc. and demolished for future use. The building was constructed in 1901.

NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS

Julia Street Parking Landscape Lighting

[Aerial photo of a parking lot.]

Eight L.E.D. multicolor programmable spot lights that illuminate the perimeter landscape trees have been installed. The color of the lights can be changed depending on a holiday or event theme. The Community Redevelopment Agency decided to make the lights a permanent fixture after temporary lights were used at the past two Chamber of Commerce Longest Table events and were well received by attendees.

Park Preserve

[Aerial photo of a cleared section of land with several houses under construction.]

Site construction is complete and home construction is underway for the 39-lot subdivision located at the southwest corner of Knox Mcrae and Park Avenue.

Street Resurfacing and Sidewalk

[Aerial photo showing a road in a state of disrepair.]

Improvements New sidewalks and sidewalk ramps will be installed along Orange Street between Lemon Street and Hopkins Avenue in the downtown as part of the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Sidewalk Infill Program. Work is expected to begin in late summer. In July, Palm Avenue was resurfaced from South Street to Garden Street, using CRA funds.

Hyatt Hotel

[Photo of a hotel under construction.]

Site construction continues on a 119-unit hotel and a 2-story office/retail building at the corner of US 1 and Riverfront Center Boulevard (formerly Vectorspace Boulevard).

Forest Trace

[Aerial phot showing several new homes.]
 Site construction continues and several homes are under construction for a 133-lot subdivision located on Sisson Road just south of San Mateo Boulevard.

South Carpenter Estates

[Photo showing a newly-paved road surrounded by empty dirt lots.]

Site construction continues on a 70-lot, single-family-home subdivision located west of I-95, north of Fox Lake Road.

La Hacienda

[Photo showing several homes under construction, with vehicles outside.]

A new housing development is under construction on Country Club Road west of La Cita Country Club.

Ohvino

[Photo of the outside of a bar in a corner building.]

Interior construction is underway on Ohvino, a beer and wine restaurant, located at 319 South Washington Avenue. The owners expect the business to be open by the end of July.

Titusville Towers Expansion

[Photo of a multistory building.]

Engineering plans are under review for the expansion of the Titusville Towers Assisted Living Facility located at 405 Indian River Avenue. The proposed expansion consists of a Phase 1 addition totaling 3,332 square feet of dining, multipurpose area, library, laundry, and offices; and a Phase 2 addition of 1,767 square feet, consisting of a conference training room, break room, and additional administrative offices.

Morgan & Morgan

[Photo of a gray building in downtown.]

Morgan & Morgan is moving into the former Kutryb offices at 407 S. Washington Ave in Downtown Titusville.

Fitness in the Park

A slew of exciting upgrades are coming to Sand Point Park! Installation of a Sway Fun wheelchair glider is scheduled for this month, along with eleven brand new Exofit exercise stations. The pedway, parking areas and main road have all been resurfaced.

The Valencenti pavilion restrooms have all been repainted, the ceiling has been cleaned and sealed, and the flooring under and around the pavilion is scheduled for restoration, recoating and sealing, after which new railing will be installed.

[Three-photo collage: 1) Aerial photo of a park along the river; 2) Photo of pullup bars at the park; 3) Photo of exercise equipment at the park.]

FEATURE STORIES

[Photo showing the entrance to a cemetery, featuring a metal arch with the words Veteran’s Memorial Park, potted plants and flowers, flags, and other accoutrements.]

Friends of the Cemetery

Back in October, we featured the extensive volunteer work being done on the Veteran’s Cemetery at 1143 Day Street. This 40-yearold cemetery fell into disrepair for several years, with many Titusville citizens forgetting that the cemetery was even there. In 2017, a passionate volunteer group, The Friends of the Cemetery, began the difficult task of revitalizing the cemetery grounds.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that the work and upgrades on the cemetery are now complete! The cemetery grounds have been transformed with beautiful new landscaping and several other upgrades. An iron archway now adorns the entrance to the cemetery grounds, with new pavers marking a path to the central flag area, which has been upgraded with several new flags and flagpoles.

[Photo of an old US Navy canon.]

An old Naval cannon, donated by the Department of the Navy, has been restored to its former glory. Debris and overgrowth was cleared from the grave sites, beautiful new plants and landscaping has been added, and a grave directory has been added to easily find each of the 127 graves.

[Photo of white headstones marking graves.] Caption: Veterans’ headstones inside the cemetery.

“We have restored the cemetery into a very beautiful site for all residents to enjoy,” says Sam DiBlasio, President of Friends of the Cemetery. “I hope we get many more visitors to the cemetery to see what an amazing place we have made.”

The Friends of the Cemetery is always accepting donations for future upkeep of the cemetery grounds, including fertilizer, flower replacements, and maintenance. To donate or volunteer, contact Sam DiBlasio at 321-222-8738 or email diblasiosam@gmail.com.

To learn more or donate online, visit FriendsOfTheCemetery.com.

FEATURE STORIES

LaunchNow Titusville

[Aerial photo of the Old Walker Hotel and First Federal Bank, with the LaunchNow Titusville logo superimposed.]

Work is continuing to take place on the interior of the Launch Now project at 300 – 310 S. Washington Avenue.

This is the redevelopment of the old First Federal Savings bank and the Walker Hotel buildings into the Launch Now project consisting of a co-working office, retail space on the ground floor, and 20 boutique apartments. Recent interior work has included the installation of steel beams and supports to shore the second and third floors. Framing of the apartments has also begun per the approved historical site plans. A soft opening for the co-working space is expected in late 2019, with the apartments opening in the first half of 2020.

Titusville Community Service Award Recipient 2019

On June 14th, Barry Russell was named the 2019 Titusville Community Service Award recipient at a ceremony held in conjunction with the City’s annual Flag Day Celebration.

Mr. Russell is incredibly involved with Jackson Middle School, along with the surrounding Titusville community. He is an integral part of Jackson’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, during which he develops mentor relationships with students as he teaches them morals and decision making. He also provides religious guidance to a group of at risk students by leading them in a Bible study throughout the school year. As a member of the Grove Church, he spearheads efforts to donate backpacks and other school supplies to Jackson Middle School students. Also in his capacity with the Grove Church, they have donated money to support Gradventure trips, which is a reward for graduating eighth graders. In his efforts with Titusville, Mr. Russell works with students from Devereaux, a group home; is the Chaplain for the Titusville Fire and Rescue; and works with the Camp Road Campus of the Grove Church for at risk students.

The Community Service Award was established in memory of Reverend Harry R. Lee who served the City and community in many different capacities. Through his words & actions, he set an example for encouraging service and unity. Annually, nominations for the award are solicited from area schools, churches, and civic organizations as well as from the community at large.

Those nominated are recognized at the award ceremony and each receive a framed certificate. This   year’s nominees for exceptional service to the community in addition to Barry Russell were Dylan Benson, Edelmira Carrasco Brissette, Sam DiBlasio, Peter Lord, Brad Parsons, Elana Pitcher, Ed Rodriguez, Hollie Anderson, Janet Romer, and Cheryl Thornton.

[Photo of three people standing with an award.]

FEATURE STORIES

[Aerial photo of a mall with cars in the parking lot.]

[Photo insert: a woman standing inside the mall.] Caption: Lisa McCotter, General Manager of Titusville Mall.

Titusville Mall’s New Lease on Life

Rebranded, refurbished, and for sale — our long-standing mall is making a comeback for the modern day.

Entering through the doors of the former Searstown Mall, it is hard to imagine that a year has passed since the anchor store, Sears, closed up shop after more than 50 years in business. Despite the unfortunate changes that have occurred, several long-standing businesses remain open, and the ubiquitous mall walkers still show up to do their laps every day. There have been many positive changes and much progress in the past year in bringing this staple of our community back to life.

The road to now…

When the mall’s owner Jesse Wright, a commercial real estate broker in Torrence, California purchased the property in February of 2018, he faced the sizeable task of revitalizing the shopping center in an age where indoor malls have become passé, and outdoor shopping venues are all the rage. To turn things around and bring back stores and customers, renovations began and a rebranding initiative was undertaken, turning the plaza into Titusville Mall. To oversee everything, Wright brought on Lisa McCotter as the General Manager.

The mall hired two full-time maintenance employees in order to have someone on hand for tenants. Under previous ownership, stores typically had to handle their own repairs; a practice the new owner did not believe in. As renovations commenced, it was discovered that many of the empty spaces had become storage rooms for the mall and some were without power for so long that FPL did not have an address to use for meters. In many instances, workers had to start from scratch to bring the spaces up to code for new tenants to occupy.

There were several phases of work that went into revitalizing what Lisa McCotter likes to call a “midcentury mall,” including new roadside signage and HVAC systems, as well as flooring and paint throughout the building. Part of the renovations included turning one of the larger storefronts into an event center that is available to rent for parties, baby showers, weddings, conferences, retreats, and more. Currently, a small local church has been holding Sunday services in the center while they work on finding a permanent home.

All the hard work has paid off as multiple businesses have chosen to relocate there, including Kathy’s Quilt Studio, Tea World, and Nails 1st.

“One thing we have is parking,” said Ms. McCotter, noting that the expansive parking lot surrounding the building has been a key motivator for stores who have outgrown their former locations. They join longtime tenants such as Valentino’s Pizza (open more than 30 years), and Titusville Ballet and Jazz Center (open for over 20 years). New businesses have set up shop like Brevard Solar, a solar panel sales and installation company.

A fun, new future…

Entertainment is something Wright and McCotter are working diligently to bring more of to the mall, particularly for youth in the community. Over the past several months, the movie theater has reopened under a new name, and soon there will be an escape room opening in the former Hallmark store.

“I think it’s something our community has always lacked,” she says, noting the perception for many years that there’s nothing to do in Titusville. “We are looking for new ways to meet the needs of the community as far as entertainment goes. I think the escape room changes that.”

With the number of escape room companies in the U.S. growing from 22 in 2014, to over 2,300 in 2018, the forthcoming Beat the Clock Escape Rooms is looking to tap into that growing popularity and create a great experience for people in Titusville. Locals Dawn Convey and Mark White have been working for over two months to bring their idea to life, which will house five rooms featuring themes like

Titusville Mall’s New Lease on Life

(Continued)

wizardry and magic (inspired by Harry Potter), a heist, a room based on the Hangover series of movies, and dual assassin rooms. The owners have brought in escape room artist Larry “Doc” Volz from Richmond, Virginia to install the rooms, and they plan to open by the end of July.

The Titusville Mall Cinema recently finished their renovation after Satellite Cinemas closed last year. The theater not only offers $5.00 movie tickets on second-run showings of current films, they are also ramping up video game tournaments and live stage shows. The two front theatres have been converted into stages for live performances like magic shows and big-band music concerts, and of the remaining theater rooms, four show films and the remaining rooms will be used for films or converted for game tournaments. One big hurdle during renovation has been replacing equipment as funds became available, because Satellite Cinema removed all of the projection systems when they left. The only thing remaining were two original film reel projectors that have been sitting upstairs for decades.

[Photo of a movie theater snack counter.] Caption: The front counter at Titusville Mall Cinema.

Titusville Mall has positioned itself to be a versatile community centerpiece, able to support myriad events, and housing retail shopping, dining, and entertainment for everyone. Some of the events they host include collaborating with the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce for the annual Taste of Titusville community event, the annual College Night for area high school students, and the election-year forum called Meet the Candidate.

[Photo of a crown inside a mall.] Caption: Locals gather for the annual Taste of Titusville, sponsored by Titusville Area Chamber Commerce.

“We don’t have another space like this in town,” Ms. McCotter said. “It’s a place where the community can come and be out of the elements.”

McCotter says they are currently working with several interested parties to bring new businesses to the mall, including possible restaurants and other entertainment and lifestyle venues. As of now, they are at almost full capacity for tenants, with only three vacant suites available for rent. Concerning the future of the former Sears store, she was unable to comment on any plans for the space since discussions are still in progress.

However...

BIG THINGS are coming…

Two big national businesses reportedly have signed letters of intent to lease out portions of the former Sears location. These businesses are Planet Fitness — who has over 1,800 locations nationwide — and Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline — who has 10 locations across the country. According to commercial property website LoopNet.com, Planet Fitness intends to occupy 20,000 sq. ft., and Rebounderz will take up 40,000 sq. ft. It is important to note that leases haven’t been signed as of this date, and circumstances may change.

Although management could not comment on these reports, it is worthwhile to note that at a Titusville Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on February 20, 2018, a conditional use permit was issued for the entire mall complex to allow for indoor recreational-commercial amusement activities. At this meeting, Mark Gurley, the founder and owner of Rebounderz, expressed his intent to open a location at Titusville Mall, and the company website currently has Titusville identified as a future location.

Wait, it’s for sale?

In June of this year, Wright listed Titusville Mall for sale at a price of $10.5-million. According to him and Ms. McCotter, if a sale does occur, all leases will continue to be honored and all stores and businesses will be able to remain open. This should come as good news to the 25 businesses that are presently open in storefronts and kiosks throughout the mall, and to citizens who enjoy having an indoor place to shop, dine and spend their time.

Titusville Mall – The 25 Businesses Located at the Mall are:

• Wildwood Antique Mall
• Tea World
• Onyxx Express Tees
• New Beginning Christian Book Store
• East Coast Contract Industries
• Kathy’s Quilt Studio
• Titusville Ballet & Jazz
• United National Travel
• Hae Yon Sewing Alterations
• Robin’s Styles Unlimited
• Double Portion
• Little House of Treasures Thrift Store
• Bealls Outlet
• Valentino’s Pizza & Restaurant
• Diverse Fashions
• Grace’s Closet
• Avid/Budget Rental
• Nails 1st
• Nikki’s Attic
• Titusville Mall Event Center
• Titusville Mall Auto Center
• Hers Salon
• Male Image
• Green Screen TV
• Beat the Clock Escape Rooms

Feature Stories

[Photo of the front entrance to the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum (spans two pages).]

FEATURE STORIES

[Graphic of a black and white version of the U.S. Flag with a blue stripe in the middle and the words Duty, Honor, Courage above it.]

Honoring the Thin Blue Line

The American Police Hall of Fame is more than a museum; it’s a support network for law enforcement and their families.

Located right off of SR 405 in Titusville, just west of the bridge to Kennedy Space Center, the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum (APHF) sits as a stalwart reminder of the sacrifice that everyday citizens make when they choose to wear a badge and protect their local communities.

Founded in 1960, it soon became the nation’s first national law enforcement museum and memorial dedicated to officers killed in the line of duty. However, today it is much more than a museum; it provides support to the families left behind when an officer gives their last, full measure of devotion.

The Early Years

Originally, APHF was located in a 3,500-square-foot building in North Port, Florida (Sarasota County), and was called the National Police Hall of Fame. In 1988, AHPF — in coordination with the National Association of Chiefs of Police — purchased a three-story building in Miami, Florida that once served as an FBI complex. A few years later, the move was made to its permanent home here in Titusville where the current 50,000-square-foot building stands today.

Over the years, the collection of artifacts has increased to include vehicles from all over the country, weapons and law enforcement tools from throughout history, and unfortunately, more names on the memorial wall.

Honoring the Thin Blue Line

(Continued)

A Hall of Honor

The centerpiece of the museum facility is the 2,000-square-foot Memorial, which features marble panels inscribed with the names of law enforcement officers from around the nation who were killed in the line of duty. Presently, there are more than 10,000 names dating back to 1961, when the museum first started tracking and memorializing fallen officers.

In the center of the room, an American Flag rests over a large marble block dedicated to unknown peace officers. This reverent display is encircled by flowers and wreaths, and is watched over by a bronze statue depicting a police officer with two small children, illustrating a police officer’s connection to the community.

[Photo of a memorial with a centerpiece draped with a U.S. Flag. And surrounded by flower wreaths.] Caption: The center of the Memorial inside the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum.

[Photo of a bronze stature of a police officer with two children, a boy and girl.] Caption: The bronze statue depicting a police officer with young children.

To Serve, To Protect, To Educate

APHF has drawn countless visitors to its exhibits, which includes not only artifacts, but also demonstrations and training classes for both police officers and citizens, and an indoor shooting range. They regularly hold concealed weapons and self-defense classes, bringing in local and national experts in those fields. The museum also hosts the annual Police Week, bringing in thousands of law enforcement officers, surviving family members, and dignitaries; serving as a reminder that somewhere in America every 57 hours, a police officer is killed in the line of duty.

The artifacts and exhibits on display include a large collection of firearms, which highlights the evolution of weapons used on both sides of the law. There are also different types of actual police vehicles and motorcycles ranging from early automobiles circa 1950s, to fourwheelers and jet skis used for off-road operations and drug interdiction.

[Photo of an old police car inside a museum.] Caption: Just one of the collection of vintage and   contemporary police cars on display inside the APHF Museum.

[Photo of police motorcycles on display.] Caption: The APHF also has a collection of police motorcycles and other vehicles used by departments across the country.

Also on display is a patrol car from Fort Worth, Texas that belonged to an officer killed in the line of duty; written on it are hundreds of signatures from members of that community who left messages of thanks and support in honor of the officer.

[Photo of a police car with signatures inscribed all over its exterior.] Caption: A Fort Worth, Texas police car covered with signatures and message from residents, honoring the fallen officer who used to drive it.

A replica jail cell and other devices of punishment from throughout history — including a mockup electric chair and guillotine — help tell the story of how people have kept law and order since time immemorial. A simulated

Honoring the Thin Blue Line

(Continued)

crime scene exhibit demonstrates how forensics is used to solve crimes, and displays on the walls depict some of the more notorious figures ever to be encountered by American police officers.

Also on display are pieces of aircraft wreckage and building girders from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in New York City.

The museum’s dedication to educating the public continues to grow, and earlier this year they expanded their programs with the hiring of Chrissy Sokol, Director of Museum Education, to oversee field trips, educational activities and exhibits, outreach and interaction with teachers, parents and museum visitors. Working directly with Tara Dixon Engel, Vice President of Training & Strategic Development, Sokol has been instrumental in the development of future exhibits — to include STEM-based learning programs and partnerships with schools and other organizations.

Current Growth and Future Expansion

APHF is continuing to grow, and there are exciting things on the horizon. One of the newer items at the museum is a virtual shooting range that allows guests to try their hand at shooting virtual paper targets or engaging criminals in simulated life-or-death scenarios — all without the need for live ammunition. For a nominal fee, guests can see if they have what it takes to be a police officer, but more importantly, they can get an understanding of the stressful situations officers encounter, and the split-second decision-making they have to perform.

New this year is a program geared toward the students entering 3rd through 5th grades. Working in conjunction with Titusville Fire Department and the American Space Museum & Walk of Fame, Sokol helped to establish a new three-day summer program called Heroes of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).

[Photo of a woman fingerprinting a little girl in a police vest.] Caption: Chrissy Sokol, Director of Museum Education, teaches a camp student about fingerprinting.

[Photo of two young men dusting a glass for fingerprints.] Caption: Two students from Apopka High School practice dusting for fingerprints as part of a field trip.

This program enabled local children to learn about different career paths as they relate to Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, and Space Exploration — apropos for us on the Space Coast. Throughout the camp, students toured the facilities of each organization, and learned with a hands-on approach to solve real world problems. The camp’s next session is coming up from July 29 – 31.

Another of the museum’s future plans is the creation of the 21st Century Crime Lab, which will be a free-standing lab/classroom environment that will allow students to enter the world of forensic science. In this experience, students will participate in real-world, hands-on experiments and activities focused on solving crimes and seeking answers through the application of STEM/STEAM disciplines, including DNA and fiber analysis, as well as ballistics.

The major announcement from APHF this year is the expansion of the museum building, increasing its size by 50,000 square feet; and the construction of the large Law Enforcement Eternal Flame. This project will feature a 10-story tall infinity symbol with an adjustable 20-foot flame. This enormous memorial will be located adjacent to the museum, and visible from U.S. 1 and SR 405. (For more information, see the Eternal Flame article on the next page.)

Helping Hands, Caring Hearts

One of the lesser-known programs — but arguably the most important — is the support APHF provides to the families of disabled and fallen officers. Year after year, the organization serves the families of fallen and disabled officers, working to make their lives better and to show them love and appreciation for their sacrifice.

[Photo of a large group of people in a large room filled with gifts.] Caption: Workers prepare Christmas gifts for the children of fallen police officers as part of APHF’s program to support families.

The programs include funding to reimburse families for medical needs relating to line-of-duty injuries of a paralyzed or disabled officer, holiday and birthday gifts for disabled/fallen officers’ children under age 18, educational scholarships, grief counseling, emergency assistance, mother’s/father’s day gifts and cards for parents of fallen officers, gifts of remembrance, and more.

For more information on the museum, its exhibits and its future, or if you want to donate to the families left behind, visit www.APHF.org.

[American Police Hall of Fame logo]

FEATURE STORIES

Announcing the Law Enforcement Eternal Flame

The American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville, FL announced a significant new law enforcement tribute on on May 15, Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. The United States Law Enforcement Eternal Flame will be a 10-story tall infinity symbol burning an adjustable flame of up to twenty feet tall that blazes from a blue ‘memory rose’ petal. The flame will burn twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This tribute monument has been hailed as the single most significant monument to law enforcement since President John F. Kennedy — 50 years ago — signed into law a proclamation naming May 15 as National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.

Rush Construction, a premier Space Coast contractor, is in charge of the overall project, with the architectural and engineering services provided by Eleven 18 Architecture and Honeycutt & Associates. The selection for the contractor tasked to build the Eternal Flame tribute has been narrowed down to two major contractors out of Orlando, both of whom do special projects for the Disney parks.

Barry Shepherd, CEO at the American Police Hall of Fame said, “The sheer size and significance of this beautiful work of art will definitely make a statement, and will represent all law enforcement: past, present, and future. It has been on the drawing board for a couple of years but has been a company vision for a long time. We have already made a commitment to this project by purchasing five acres of vacant land directly adjacent to the Hall of Fame facility and we plan on breaking ground in January of next year, 2020. We plan on holding our dedication ceremony in October of 2020, which is also the 60th anniversary of the Hall of Fame.”

The United States Law Enforcement Eternal Flame is the first of several projects planned by the Hall of Fame over the next three years. A few of the projects include a heliport, pavilions, mini golf course and a 30,000 square foot expansion of the existing facility. The expansion will house a dynamic new educational area, already under development, focusing on forensics and STEM education.

“Not only will the Flame be a lasting tribute to our men and women in blue, but it will draw attention to our many other programs currently serving law enforcement nationwide,” Shepherd explained. “We will also give law enforcement supporters across America the chance to make their own personal statement of gratitude through a stunning commemorative brick pathway leading up to the flame.

The Walk of Heroes will personalize and breath life into the flame for all who visit and all who passionately support those who serve.”

For more information on the United States Law Enforcement Eternal Flame please go to www.leflame.org and for more information on the American Police Hall of Fame please go to www.APHF.org.

[Photo of a woman holding a brick with an inscription on it.] Caption: Tara Dixon Engle, APHF Vice President of Training and Strategic Development, holds an example of a commemorative brick that can be purchased by anyone interested in honoring someone in law enforcement.

CITY GOV NEWS

Movies in the Park – Shark Tale

Brevard County Parks & Recreation – North Area Park

Sand Point Park, Titusville

 [Shark Tale movie poster.]

Friday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m.

New Historic Landmarks Brochure

[Image of two brochures.]

The Historic Preservation Board has created and printed a Titusville Historic Landmarks brochure for residents and visitors to learn about the historic landmarks in the city. The brochure provides location and short informational blurbs about National Historic Designated Sites, Local Historic Designated Sites and State Historic Landmark Signs in the city and surrounding area. The brochures are available at the Downtown Welcome Center and City Hall.

Resilient Titusville – Completed

On May 28, 2019 the City Council approved the Resilient Titusville final report marking the completion of the Resilient Titusville project. Staff from the City of Titusville and the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council gave an overview of the project goals, public outreach components, and highlighted portions of the Resilient Titusville final report.

The report will be used as a monitoring tool for tracking progress towards improving community resilience and is planned to be updated with the next Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) Comprehensive Plan update cycle. These regular updates will be very important as the information, science, and technology used in planning for hazards like sea level rise continues to improve.

Resilient Titusville is funded in part, through a grant agreement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program, by a grant provided by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA16NOS4190120. The views, statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Florida, NOAA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or any of their subagencies.

[Florida Dept. of Environment Protection seal; Florida Coastal Management seal; NOAA seal; East Central Florida Regional Planning Council seal; City of Titusville seal.]

[Photo of a seminar with multiple people seated at tables.]

CITY GOV NEWS

Mobile Titusville

Kimley-Horn and Associates of Orlando assisted the City in the creation of a city-wide multimodal (mobility) master plan. The plan addresses transportation issues with a primary focus on trails, on-street bicycle lanes and sidewalks. Kimley-Horn and the Community Development staff obtained public input through an online survey and participation in the January 11th Let it Snow event and Gear up Ride it down event on February 23rd. Several interviews were conducted with key community stakeholders. The project concluded with a presentation at the June 11th City Council meeting. The plan will help the City accommodate the three regional trails that are planned to converge in our downtown.

The City of Titusville is becoming the hub of three converging multi-use trails: the Coast-to-Coast Trail a 250-mile 12 foot wide multi-purpose trail running from St. Petersburg through downtown Titusville. Eventually this trail will continue from Titusville through the Canaveral National Seashore to the beautiful natural Atlantic Ocean beaches; the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop a 260-mile loop encompasses five counties Volusia, Putnam, St. Johns, Flagler and Brevard that when complete runs from Titusville to St. Augustine along the Atlantic Coast and St. Johns River corridor; the East Coast Greenway connecting Calais, Maine to Key West Florida that when complete, the 3,000-mile trail will become the nation’s  longest connecting protected biking and walking route.

For more information, visit Titusville.com/Mobility

East Central Florida Regional Resilience Collaborative

On May 28, the City of Titusville became the first local government in the East Central Florida Region to sign onto the newly formed East Central Florida Regional Resilience Collaborative (ECFR2C).

In 2018, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council recommitting to regionalism and launched a program to convene stakeholders across our 8 county, 78 city region with the intent to develop a structure and framework for a regional resilience collaborative.

Three pillars were identified under the resilience umbrella; (people) Health + Equity, (places) Build Infrastructure + Natural Environment, and (prosperity) economic resilience.

Woven throughout those pillars will be a reduction of the carbon footprint, risks and vulnerabilities utilizing emergency management, and increasing efforts toward sustainability, region wide.

Flood-Damaged Former Coast Guard Auxiliary Building Demolished

The former Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 17-09 building located along the river at Sand Point Park, adjacent to the boat ramp, was recently demolished by the city. It was built in 1950 and at one time was owned by Rodney Thompson and family of Dixie Crossroads notoriety. The building had been badly damaged by flood waters resulting from Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The land will remain vacant for the foreseeable future as there are no plans to replace the building at this time.

[Photo of an older building along the river.]

[Photo of an empty plot where the building used to be.]

Did You Know?

It is illegal to drive with your hazard lights flashing. According to Florida law, drivers must only turn on their hazard lights if they are stationary. Hazard lights may seem like the right idea during blinding storms, but they are not!

“Hazard lights are just that — the signal of a hazard, and you use them when you have pulled over to the side of the road or are disabled or in an accident,” said Matt Nasworthy, American Automobile Association public affairs director for Florida. “You cannot use them when you’re moving. It only causes confusion. Other drivers have no idea what you’re doing.”

CITY GOV NEWS

The Water We Drink - 2018

[Image of a booklet cover featuring photos of a little girl holding a glass of water, bicyclists drinking water, a cat drinking water from a tub faucet, and an older man drinking water.] Caption: Our staff of water professionals is committed to ensuring the reliability and safety of your drinking water every hour, every day. “We value our water consumers and the trust they place in us to provide them with high-quality, great-tasting drinking water. This annual report allows us the opportunity to reach out and provide important information about the drinking water and services provided to them in 2018.” – City of Titusville Water Resources Department.]

The City of Titusville Water Resources Department’s staff of water professionals is committed to ensuring the reliability and safety of your drinking water every hour, every day. We value our water consumers and the trust they place in us to provide them with high-quality, great-tasting drinking water. As part of that trust, we publish an annual water quality report, The Water We Drink.

Both federal and state law requires all community water systems to publish an annual water quality report in order to make consumers aware of the quality of their drinking water and the analyses and monitoring performed by their drinking water provider. The 2019 edition of Titusville’s drinking water quality report shows the results of water quality monitoring from the previous calendar year, January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

Water Resources uses the publication of its annual report as an opportunity to include information that we feel our customers can use and will find valuable, in addition to the required information. We work to produce a publication that is attractive and easy to read and understand. Residents with questions about water quality or the data presented in the report, can contact Titusville’s Water Production Superintendent at (321) 567-3877.

The 2019 edition of The Water We Drink 2018, is available online at www.titusville.com/ccr or at the Water Resources Department’s main page on titusville.com. A certified ADA compliant version is also available on the departmental page. Hard copies of the report are available from the Water Conservation Office at (321) 567-3865 and are mailed upon request. Braille copies of the report are available at the Mourning Dove facility and the City Clerk’s Office.

Upcoming Street Paving

July/August

• Dixon Avenue
• Violet Avenue
• Sherwood Court
• Warren Court
• Whispering Hills Road
• Blue Bird Circle
• Guava Avenue
• Indian Oaks Court
• Nottingham Street
• Oracle Street

August/September

• Prescott Street
• Ranger Street
• Valley Forge Drive
• Valley Forge Drive
• Fife Court
• Privateer Drive
• Ticonderoga Court
• Saratoga Drive
• Militia Drive
• Privateer Drive
• Bunker Hill Court
• Liberty Tree Road
• Von Stuben Court
• Lafayette Avenue
• Powder Horn Road East
• White Drive
• Quill Court
• Yorktown Avenue
• Park Lane
• Pinecrest Street
• Jackson Street
• Kirby Drive
• Justin Court
• Wakefield Terrace
• Palm Avenue
• Olympus Court
• Canon Court
• Leica Court
• Minolta Court
• Nikon Court
• Kodak Drive
• Chaffee Drive

CITY GOV NEWS

Titusville Police Department

[Titusville Police logo.]

Promoting Teamwork within our community – 1100 John Glenn Blvd., Titusville, FL  32780 — PH 321-264-7800

K.I.D.S. Identification System

The Titusville Police Department offers a KIDS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (K.I.D.S.). The K.I.D.S. envelope contains a Biological Information Form, a DNA swab and a disc to store the most up-to-date pictures of a child. This kit holds valuable information that can be immediately handed to law enforcement if a child goes missing. Titusville Police Explorers will be handing out the kits at upcoming “Back to School” Events in August. If you would like a K.I.D.S. kit at any time, please call Amy Matthews at the Titusville Police Department @ (321) 567-3921.

Texting-and-Driving Law

On July 1st 2019, Florida made texting while driving a primary traffic offense, meaning law enforcement can stop motorists for just that offense. Florida Statue 316.395 is known as the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law”. Additionally, the law bans the use of any handheld wireless communications devices in school and construction zones. This is a moving violation, motorist may receive a fine and up to 3 points on their license.

Effective Dates: Texting While Driving – enforceable as a primary offense beginning July 1, 2019. NO TOLERANCE.

Did you know? Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. (NHTSA, 2018) Texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times. (NHTSA, 2018)

[Put It Down logo]

Community Watch Program

[Photo of a group of people wearing yellow shirts inside a conference room.]

Titusville Police Department Community Watch (CW) Program offers multiple services for Titusville Citizens, including a vacation home check. CW members patrol residential neighborhoods and business parking lots while paying close attention to suspicious and unusual activities. CW provides a visible presence in our neighborhoods and in the City’s business areas.

In addition, they provide valuable assistance to our officers on the street. The vacation home check is a free service performed by CW members. If requested, your home is checked periodically while you are away. If you would like this service or would like information on how to join the CW team, please call 321-567-3913 or email Todd.StLouis@Titusville.com.

[Photo of three people in yellow uniforms standing next to a Community Watch squad car.]

CITY GOV NEWS

[Titusville Fire Department logo.]

Titusville Fire Department

550 S. Washington Ave. — Titusville, FL  32796 — 321.567.3800

[Heroes of STEAM camp logo]

Heroes of S.T.E.A.M. Summer Camp

Titusville Fire Department celebrated the success of their first Heroes of S.T.E.A.M. Summer Camp program that ran from June 24th-26th. The camp was a collaborative experience between the American Space Museum, Titusville Fire Department and American Police Hall of Fame. Each agency had an afternoon with nine campers working through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics involved in each career path.

We launched the camper’s curiosity on Monday, June 24th at The American Space Museum. Campers learned the history of rockets through a tour of the museum and engineered their own paper air rockets to launch them on the heels of the Space X Heavy Falcon launch!

Titusville Fire Department personnel brought out the engines, hoses and digital attack simulator for campers on Tuesday. After putting out a simulated fire, walking through a fire inspection, and learning about burn prevention you build up an appetite. The edible skin activity was a gross but tasty treat at the end of the day.

Who knew that a finger print could point you in the right direction of solving a crime! The American Police Hall of Fame taught the campers about finger print analysis and patterns. Taking it one-step further, campers had to solve a “Who done it?” investigation in a staged crime scene investigation.

The July session is sold out, but we are full steam ahead for more camps next year! Follow Heroes of STEAM on our Facebook page for future camp dates.

[Photo of a group of children with Firefighters in front of a fire engine.]

New Training Equipment

In order to continue providing CPR recertification for our personnel we were tasked with upgrading our training equipment. AHA compliant CPR manikins must be capable of determining correct compression depth, compression rate, as well as confirm correct airway procedures. Thanks to grant monies received from Parrish Medical Center, our newest set of CPR manikins ensures all of our personnel are training to a level that meets these standards.

[Photo of assorted CPR training equipment, including replica adults and babies.]

Recently our personnel have been training with our newest tool, the HURST StrongArm eDraulic tool. This tool is battery operated and born out of the need for portability and power for RIT teams, technical rescue teams and SWAT. This tool makes quick work of chain, rebar, 2x4’s and forcing doors, both commercial and residential. Those are just a few of the applications this tool can handle. We are proud to be adding this to our arsenal of rescue tools as we continue to look for ways to improve the service we provide to our citizens and community.

[Photo of an battery-powered jaws of life tool.]

Boeing Moving to Titusville

Space Coast, FL - (June 19, 2019) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) announced today that Boeing [NYSE: BA] is relocating the headquarters of its Space and Launch division to Titusville, on Florida’s revitalized Space Coast.

“Through the work of the EDC and our community leaders, the Space Coast has seen the transformation of our local space industry; including the announcement of Boeing’s Starliner program in 2011,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC. “Boeing’s Space and Launch headquarters will be another turning point for our community, as it represents a newset of activities for Boeing on the Space Coast.”

“Looking to the future, this storied Florida space community will be the center of gravity for Boeing’s space programs as we continue to build our company’s leadership beyond gravity,” said Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and Chief Executive Officer Leanne Caret. “The time is right for us to locate our space headquarters where so much of our space history was made over the past six decades and where so much history awaits.”

“Boeing has been a dominant presence on the Space Coast for six decades, and this move represents a continuation of that legacy and future commitment,” said Jim Chilton, senior vice president of Space and Launch. “Expanding our Boeing presence on the Space Coast brings tremendous value for our commercial and government space programs through focused leadership, strategic investment, customer proximity and additional contributions to the vitality of the region.”

“Boeing will continue to be a dynamic space presence in its existing locations, contributing to the vitality of those aerospace hubs, collaborating with our regional partners, and inspiring future generations of space engineers, technicians and innovators,” Chilton said.

For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com or follow them on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.

COMPLETED & OPEN

Durango’s

[Aerial photo of a restaurant, with “Open for Business Stamp” superimposed.]

Construction is complete on the new Durango’s restaurant, which is open for business on Helen Houser Boulevard.

Modern Faces

[Photo of a small store, with “Open for Business Stamp” superimposed.]

Modern Faces, a permanent makeup and esthetics business, is now open for business at 1115 South Washington Avenue.

Historic Spotlight

E.L. Brady & Brother Grocery – 407 South Washington Avenue 1886 to 1945

[Old photo of a two-story building with people out front, circa 1900s.]

Edward L. Brady operated a small grocery store at LaGrange from 1880 to 1886. With completion of the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West Railroad spur reaching Titusville in 1885 and the promise of the town becoming the “center of commerce,” E.L. and his brother Louis A. decided to relocate their grocery business. In 1886 they moved into a wooden building on the southeast corner of Main St. and Washington Ave. After operating there for nearly nine years, the building was destroyed by the 1895 City fire. Shortly after the fire the Brady brothers built a new two-story brick building on the southeast corner of Julia St. and So. Washington Ave. and this became the home of E.L. Brady & Brother Grocery. Newspaper ads stated that they were dealers in groceries, grain and hay, all food products, handled produce of all kinds and were agents for MAPS Fertilizers. Delivery service was also offered. Edward moved to Miami in 1896 where he established a grocery business as E.L. Brady & Co. and Louis continued to manage their store in Titusville. In 1918 E.L. sold out his stock and dissolved his Miami grocery business. He returned to Titusville to devote more time to his groves and personal interests and sold his shares in the Titusville store to his brother Louis. E.L. Brady & Brother Grocery continued to operate under the same name and at the same location by the Brady family until the property was sold in 1945.

Important City Numbers

Important Community Numbers

[Back Cover – Satellite image of a hurricane approaching Florida.]

On Top of the World – Hurricane Preparedness

Florida’s hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.  It is important to plan ahead so you are safe in an emergency.   Prepare now for the risks associated with the stormy weather and be prepared to act on that plan when alerted by emergency officials.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare in the even of a storm:

• A disaster supplies kit (first aid kit, water, canned food supply, etc.)
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn ornaments, patio furniture, etc.)
• Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and any gas cans you may have
• Obey evacuation orders
• Pet owners should have plans to care for their animals

Visit Titusville.com/BePrepared for more information.